So Much To Explore
Natural Inspirations
The Beaches and the Waters
Miles and miles of a pure, parched playground of Appalachian Quartz sand for sun bronzing, sandcastle building, soul searching and surrendering to sun-drenched solitude. Sun worshippers are amused by sandpipers, snowy egrets, playful dolphins, fishing fleets dotting the horizon and daily dogfights (air shows compliments of Eglin Air Force Base).Boating
65-foot gaff-rigged schooners to simple sunfish sailboats are available for sunset wine cruises, moonlight rendezvous, snorkeling trips, barrier island hopping and dolphin or manatee expeditions.Water Sports
Pontoon boating, parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and additional adventures in the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay.Saltwater Fishing
World's Luckiest Fishing Village Famous fruitful waters are internationally recognized. The offshore shelf dips straight from Destin's East Pass to 100-foot (30m) depths within 10 miles (16km) -- the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf. Widest Variety of Catches in Florida Gulf Up to four times more than most destinations, 20 species of edible game fish are always in seasonal runs. Largest Charter Boat Fleet in Florida Destin harbors more than 140 vessels from party boats to private charters. All offer deep sea, inshore and bottom fishing for as little as $35 a half-day. Free fish cleaning for the day's catch provided by many charters.Golf
Total of 1,080 holes. Links designed by world-renowned architects like Fazio, Dye and Cupp capitalize on woods and wetlands, bays and bayous for scenic, yet challenging play at reasonable prices.Amusements & Attractions
Florida's Gulfarium - (850) 244-5169
Florida's oldest marine park (1955) hosts Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, tropical black-foot penguins, loggerhead sea turtles, harbor and gray seals, American alligators, nurse and lemon sharks, tropical fish aquariums and more in 14 fascinating Gulf-edged exhibits. Dolphin stars Princess, Panama, Brandy, Delilah and newborn dolphin Lili delight with feats from comedic soccer games to 18-foot (540cm) leaps toward the clouds.U.S. Air Force Armament Museum - (850) 882-4062
Riddled with bombs, this museum, one of only three U.S. museums dedicated to the display of Air Force armament, is "protected" by 25 reconnaissance, fighter and bomber planes such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane. Four wars -- WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf -- are spanned through a fighter cockpit simulator, thousands of weapons, war films, photography exhibits and more.Indian Temple Mound and Museum - (850) 833-9595
The 6,000-piece exhibit, showcasing America's largest collection of Southeastern Indian ceramic artifacts, journeys through 10,000 years of four prehistoric tribes. The largest Indian mound discovered along saltwater (1400 A.D.) stands guard beside the museum.Emerald Coast Science Center - (850) 664-1261
A child's fantasy museum of science, it stimulates the imagination with interactive fun and great kids' stuff like a reflecting Castle of Mirrors, "adult-sized" bubble makers, a literally hair-raising Vandergraph generator, an electrifying Illuma Storm and more.Big Kahuna's - (850) 837 - 8319
Located in the heart of Destin and encompassing 25 acres of fun-filled space, Big Kahuna's offers more than 40 water attractions, including slides, lazy rivers, twisters and an Adventure Park with mini golf, a Vertical Accelerator and raceway.The Track - (850) 654 - 4668
For fun in the fast lane, the recreation center lets families race around in go-karts and enjoy bumper rides while Kids Country is perfect for the younger kids.Destin Commons - (850) 337 – 8700
On the corner of Highway 98 and Mid Bay Bridge, this shopping center hosts numerous unique and upscale stores, fine dining and casual eateries, a 14 screen Rave Motion Picture Theatre, child’s play area, Hard Rock Café and a Bass Pro Shop.The Zoo (Gulf Breeze) - (850) 932-2229
Observe more than 700 animals -- including towering giraffes to white Bengal tigers -- with a 50-acre African veldt, petting zoo, reptile demonstrations and face-to-face giraffe feedings.Florida Caverns (Marianna) - (850) 482-9598
Dripping with stalagmites and stalactites, Florida's only limestone caverns wind through underground depths for fascinating public tours.Eden State Gardens (Point Washington) - (850) 231-4214
An 1895 Greek revival estate surrounded by a Southern spread of immense moss-draped oaks and resplendent gardens of camellias and azaleas overlooks the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay with the charming character of days gone by.Additional visitor information about these and other area attractions is available by calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131 or by visiting www.destin-fwb.com.